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UNRWA Psychosocial Support & After School Activities (Gaza)

Palestine, Middle East

UNRWA's mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program addresses trauma among Palestine refugee children in Gaza through counseling, recreational activities, and the innovative After School Activities (ASA) project. Counselors provide psychological first aid, guidance to parents, and individual counseling focusing on creating a sense of safety. Children engage in expressive activities like drawing, storytelling, relaxation exercises, music, arts, and sports. The "Back to Learning" program provides refuge from conflict through psychosocial activities and gradual reintroduction to formal education. The Community Mental Health Programme has reached 91,000+ parents and 100,000+ children. About 25% of Gaza children require psychological support.

Behavior Goal

Help children cope with trauma and distress; reduce behavioral issues like aggression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety; provide parents with skills to support children's mental health; restore sense of safety and normalcy

Target Audiences

Caregivers/Parents

Implementers & Partners

  • UNRWA
  • Sharek Youth Forum

Donors & Sponsors

  • UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
  • Multiple donors

Key Takeaways

  • 1Drawing and expressive arts help children process trauma symbolically
  • 2After-school activities provide safe space and develop self-confidence
  • 3Parent engagement through community mental health multiplies impact
  • 4Integration of informal learning eases transition back to formal education
  • 5Local staff (99% Palestine refugees) enables culturally appropriate support

Sources

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